For many of us, cars are a necessity that we rely on to get us from point A to point B. We need them to be in good working order if our vehicles are going to do just that.
Roughly 1.4 million cars are scrapped every year just in the UK, with the average age of vehicles on the road being around 8 years. Don’t worry though – some straightforward maintenance steps can extend your vehicle’s lifespan well into its golden years.
Keeping your car in good condition is vital to keeping you safe on the road and it can help reduce costs when you come to book your MOT online.
Here are some top tips you should follow to keep your car maintained.
Tyre Checks
Tyres are one of your car’s most important safety features so it’s important to check them regularly (at least once a week!) to make sure they are safe to use. Look out for any lumps, bumps or tears that might suggest a puncture. If you see any, replace the tyres as soon as possible.
You can also adapt your driving habits to get the most out of your car tyres. Avoid accelerating or braking too quickly as this can wear them out. It’s also recommended that you pump them up to the recommended pressure regularly as this will help decrease your car’s fuel consumption.
Engine Level Checks
Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, and you can’t hope to get very far if it’s not in good shape. You should check your engine oil and lubricant levels once a fortnight. Simply lift your bonnet and remove the dipstick to check. The dipstick should come out within the minimum and maximum markers and be a light yellowy-brown colour.
Driving with low oil levels can cause irreversible damage to your car. It acts as a lubricant to prevent the moving parts of the engine from grinding together and creating friction.
Brake Checks
Another critical safety feature in our vehicles, is your brake pedals are essential for preventing collisions and reducing car speed. To extend the life of your brakes and avoid wearing them down, don’t break too aggressively or harshly.
If your breaks begin to feel soft or less responsive, you must take your vehicle to a garage and have it professionally checked.
Cleaning
Cleaning is important for your vehicle and not just because of aesthetics. Dirty windows can reduce visibility out on the road and dirt buildup can cause rust that will corrode parts of the car body. This is especially true during the winter when roads become full of grit and salt. Washing your car regularly will remove these corrosive materials.